Sleep terror or night terror is a disorder characterised by episodes of extreme fear leading to behaviours like screaming, shouting and making startling movements while in a state of sleep. The individual experiencing night terror cannot temporarily regain full consciousness, which means even if their eyes are open, they are not awake. They go back to sleep after the episode has passed and has no recollection of the same in the morning.
“During a night terror episode, the person is usually agitated or frightened during sleep. The person is not awake; in fact, they are difficult to wake up. If they are forcefully awakened, they are likely to be disoriented,” says Dr Trideep Choudhury, consultant psychiatrist, department of mental health and behavioural Sciences, Fortis Flt Lt. Rajan Dhall Hospital, New Delhi.
According to a research report, this condition is usually seen in children between three to seven years and considerably subsides by the time they become ten years old. However, the occurrence of sleep terrors in adults is relatively rare and can indicate underlying neurological problems.
Why do people experience night terrors?
Dr Choudhury says that sleep terrors can be considered a type of parasomnia because of the unusual behaviour displayed during the episodes; it usually happens during the non-REM (rapid eye movement) stage, also known as slow-wave sleep.
Children may experience night terrors due to a fever or a full bladder. Sometimes it has a genetic root.
“For adults, there are different causes like stress, alcohol abuse, certain medications, migraines, etc,” says Dr Choudhury.
Although it is rare for adults to have sleep terrors, it is not impossible. “It is often seen that adults with sleep terrors also have mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, etc. Sleep Apnea is also said to increase the likelihood of adults experiencing night terrors,” says Dr K Vinod, consultant pulmonologist at Veturi Polyclinic and Diagnostic Centre, Bengaluru.
Adults should seek help if they are experiencing night terrors as it could uncover underlying issues like restless sleep syndrome and other conditions, say experts.
Can external stimuli trigger night terrors?
Night terrors can be caused by internal and external factors. Dr Choudhary lists some potential triggers:
- Traumatic events which could induce stress and fear.
- Mental health conditions like depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder.
- Sleep deprivation.
- Certain medicines and excessive alcohol use.
Although nightmares and night terrors are not the same, the causes of night terrors may be similar to that of nightmares.
READ MORE :
Sleepwalking — nothing paranormal about it!
How to help someone experiencing sleep terrors
Dr Vinod shares ways to help an adult or a child experiencing sleep terrors:
- It’s crucial that you stay calm throughout and avoid waking up the person or the child during a sleep terror. There is a high chance that you might be disoriented after waking up. Be patient and let the episode pass.
- If they thrash around too much or might hurt themselves, slowly guide them to safety without disturbing them too much.
- Both adults and children should follow good sleep hygiene before bedtime.
- Do not make children feel embarrassed or uncomfortable by talking about their night terrors, as it could induce more anxiety and lead to more night terrors.
Can night terrors be treated?
In most cases, there is no need for treatment; night terrors will pass as the child grows up. However, if the night terrors are affecting one’s daytime schedule or if the episodes are getting more frequent and violent, it is best to visit a doctor.
Dr Choudhary explains:
- The underlying cause is determined through a physical examination, analysing the family history of sleep problems. The corroborative history from the bed partner can also help with the diagnosis.
- An overnight sleep study called polysomnography may be done.
- Underlying medical and mental health conditions and sleep disorders like sleep apnea are treated.
- Stress is addressed through cognitive behavioural therapy, biofeedback and relaxation therapy. Medications, if necessary, are prescribed by doctors.
